Chapter 3: The Ruler's Admonition - A year of bad luck, fate is against her! ...

"Azhi! Azhi, come out quickly and see what I brought back for you!"

In just half a month, Pei Mingli recovered completely and was lively and energetic again.

Although the emperor deducted half a year's salary and the reward was also lost, the punishment was not too severe.

It was also thanks to Pei's father that he struck first, dealing such a heavy blow to his own son, which silenced the gossip.

When Lin Zhi came out of the room, she saw Pei Mingli sitting imposingly at the stone table in the courtyard, taking out a lot of things from his pocket.

"Where did this come from?"

Looking at the scattered little things on the table, Lin Zhi curiously picked up a peanut and examined it.

"One of my classmates got married today. I went to the wedding banquet and brought this back to you to share in the joy!"

Seeing the hint of joy in Pei Mingli's eyes and brows, Lin Zhi held the hard shell of a peanut, lost in thought.

"Since she's my cousin's classmate, then she must be around the same age as him?"

"More than that, that guy is half a year younger than me."

"Oh dear, I only found out after returning from the border that I am now the only one left among all my old friends."

"Is getting married really that great, just adding another woman to the house?"

As soon as he said this, Pei Mingli realized that it was somewhat inappropriate because he didn't hear Lin Zhi agree.

Although the two were close friends, they were both grown up now, and it was a little embarrassing to say it out loud.

Pei Mingli suddenly felt as if the smooth stone bench beneath him had grown thorns, making him extremely uncomfortable.

"...Since I haven't practiced my sword today, I'll leave all of this for you to share in the good fortune, cousin. I'll be going now!"

Watching Pei Mingli's somewhat flustered retreating figure, Lin Zhi lightly got up, sat back down at the table, and picked up a book on military strategy.

"Oh dear, why are you running around so recklessly?"

Lin Shaowan had just come over to deliver some things to her son when he unexpectedly ran back headfirst and almost bumped into her.

After listening to the servant beside him recount the whole story, Lin Shaowan raised her delicate eyebrows and quickly pulled Pei Mingli back.

"My son, tell your mother the truth, do you have feelings for your cousin Azhi?"

Upon hearing the words "Xin Yue," Pei Mingli's face flushed red, and he shook his head frantically.

“Mother, I, Azhi and I are cousins, what are you saying?”

Lin Shaowan disagreed: "Azhi's father and I are distant cousins, let alone the two of you."

"Besides, wouldn't it be even better to strengthen family ties through marriage?"

Seeing her son's hesitant expression, Lin Shaowan deliberately said, "If you don't like Azhi, then your mother won't force you. I'll find you other good girls..."

"No, there's nothing wrong with A-Zhi."

"I overheard Zhou Jun and the others talking about how people should marry a virtuous wife. If the wife at home is not good, there will be no peace and quiet."

"If it were someone else, they would be better off with A-Zhi, who is well-behaved and polite."

Seeing Pei Mingli pout, Lin Shaowan was secretly overjoyed.

"Mother understands. Perhaps we can properly discuss the marriage after some time, by finding an auspicious day."

Upon hearing this, Pei Mingli jumped up: "What do you mean, Mother? I'm still young, I haven't thought about marriage!"

Lin Shaowan understood that this matter couldn't be rushed, so she comforted him verbally, but she already had a plan in mind.

But Lin Zhi, who was in her own courtyard, was filled with anxiety.

Her slender white fingers tapped lightly on the book, her expression showing a worry beyond her years.

Pei Lang's status is becoming increasingly prestigious, and his influence in the court is growing. The Pei family will eventually fall into his hands; it's just a matter of time.

If that day really comes, how should I conduct myself?

Will Pei Lang be even more ruthless than his uncle? Will he also sell her to another family as a concubine?

"marriage..."

Getting married is the best way out for her right now.

All she wanted was a courtyard where she wouldn't be kicked out, even if it was small.

My second cousin is kind-hearted and reliable.

Moreover, given the connection with her aunt, it's not impossible for her to accept the offer.

Lin Zhi's initially confused gaze gradually hardened.

"We received quite a few invitations today. I don't know how those noble ladies knew that our Ah Zhi was of such good character, but they all invited her to the banquet."

During lunch, Lin Shaowan brought up the matter with a smile, mentioning Lin Zhi, but her eyes were fixed on Pei Mingli.

I intended to give this kid a little talking-to, but to my surprise, he was completely absorbed in cooking.

Pei Mingli focused on picking up food; he had been fasting for quite some time due to his recent injury.

But after taking just one bite of steamed meat, I felt a chill run down my spine.

When I looked up in confusion, I noticed my mother's warning look.

He subconsciously swallowed, hurriedly trying to recall what his mother had just said.

"A visiting card... the same goes for you, brother!"

Lin Shaowan's gaze shifted slightly as she glanced at Pei Lang, who stood beside her, looking dignified and elegant.

But this foolish son remained oblivious: "Those families all hope that if the eldest brother can give them some guidance, their sons will be able to pass the imperial examinations and achieve top honors."

"I also saw Lord Lu send people to his young master that day..."

Lin Zhi's chopsticks froze in mid-air, and Pei Mingli finally realized that he had said the wrong thing.

He quickly shut his mouth and tried to bury himself in the food, but it was too late.

With a crisp sound, Pei Lang had already placed his chopsticks on the bowl.

“I have accepted the invitation from the Lu family. After all, the Lu family and my father are colleagues in the court, and it would be best for the two families to avoid antagonizing each other.”

“Once my cousin recovers from her cold, she can go to various family banquets to avoid feeling bored and annoyed by studying at home.”

The dinner table, which was already silent because of Pei Mingli's outspokenness, became even quieter, to the point that you could hear a pin drop.

Lin Zhi's ears were ringing, and a hint of suppressed embarrassment appeared on her usually composed and perfect face.

She was always cautious and shrewd in the Pei family, fearing that she might make a mistake.

She only dared to mutter these words to herself, never imagining that Pei Lang would find out.

Her bright red lips parted slightly: "Cousin..."

Pei Lang stood up and bowed to his father and Lin Shaowan: "I still have official duties to attend to, please enjoy your meal, Father and Mother."

After saying that, he didn't look at anyone again and turned to leave.

Lin Zhi found the meal utterly unpalatable, and her face turned deathly pale.

Sure enough, after she left the table, she was invited over by Yu Shu, who was sitting next to her aunt.

"Miss, Madam is waiting for you inside."

Chuntao and Xiaying lifted the gauze curtain in front of the door. Lin Zhi clenched her fists and carefully stepped on the ground, not daring to make a sound.

"Azhi, come here."

Looking at his aunt sitting on the soft couch with her hands on her knees, but her expression was not too stern.

He must not be angry with her.

Lin Zhi's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was slightly relieved: "Aunt...it's all my fault. I made my cousin angry at lunch earlier."

Looking at my niece's fair and delicate face, and her slender and graceful waist, I felt a sense of wonder.

Her features were exquisite and otherworldly, especially her almond-shaped eyes, which seemed shrouded in mist yet shimmered with a captivating light.

She was completely different from the young, inexperienced girl who first entered the Pei family three years ago.

Lin Shaowan suppressed the satisfaction in her eyes and pulled her hand to sit down beside her.

"Your aunt summoned you not to scold you, but to warn you that Pei Lang's birth mother is from the Cui family of Qinghe, and he has been arrogant since childhood."

"Now he himself is living up to expectations, and is even the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince. He is destined for greatness."

"Your aunt loves you and never wants you to learn these tiring things. In the future, you only need to know how to manage the household and take charge of the family affairs. But if Pei Lang complains, your aunt can't help you."

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhi's heart sank, and she felt somewhat aggrieved.

“Aunt, those words were unintentional on Azhi’s part. Every month, my eldest cousin sends me books from the palace for me to read and copy in detail.”

"I was just venting because I was too tired, but I didn't know how my cousin found out."

Seeing Lin Zhi's eyes welling up with tears of grievance, Lin Shaowan quickly patted her thin back.

"Although it's not a big deal, Pei Lang meant well after all."

"It just so happens that the kitchen just made some refreshing plum soup. You can take it to Pei Lang as an apology, and that will put the matter behind you."

Thinking of Pei Lang's calm yet indifferent gaze, Lin Zhi trembled involuntarily, a hint of fear on her face.

"Don't be afraid. If you are really scared, just go over there and leave it to the servants in his courtyard."

"Your uncle just called him over, so he probably won't be back so soon."

Hearing this, Lin Zhi's tense expression eased slightly: "Thank you for taking care of things for me, Aunt."

Lin Shaowan nodded without saying anything, but patted her arm urging her on.

"Sigh, this child is good in every way, except that he is too docile and gentle."

"If she really marries into another family, I'm afraid she'll be bullied."

Yu Shu brought in another bowl of plum soup and heard her mistress's words. She chuckled and said, "Then you can rest assured, Madam."

"Just as Miss Biao left with the soup, I saw our Second Young Master rushing over as well, probably to find Miss Biao."

Thinking of her son and niece together, Lin Shaowan's lips curled up slightly.

Staring at the three large characters of Lanxue Pavilion in silver hook and iron strokes, Lin Zhi hesitated to even look at Pei Lang's residence, and nervously gripped the food box in her hand.

The calligraphy was extremely beautiful, but no matter how elegant and ethereal it was, Lin Zhi could still discern a chilling killing intent within it.

Like Pei Lang, he dared not look directly at him.

Chun Tao also became a little nervous: "Miss, are you really going?"

"The eldest young master's residence is not a place one can just step into."

Lin Zhi didn't want to, and sighed softly: "No matter what, it was my fault first."

"Besides, my aunt personally instructed me, so I cannot disobey her."

"Anyway, my older cousin hasn't come back yet; he's just handing the soup over to the servants."

These words seemed to be spoken to Chun Tao, but also to Lin Zhi herself.

Her snow-white breasts rose and fell slightly as she gritted her teeth and stepped forward.

The door to Kelanxue Pavilion was only slightly ajar; Lin Zhi pushed it open as soon as her fingertips touched it...

Chun Tao and the other two stood guard outside the door, not daring to overstep their bounds. Watching Lin Zhi walk in alone, they felt dazed, as if a delicious white rabbit had been delivered into the tiger's mouth.

Lanxue Pavilion was even more deserted than Lin Zhi had imagined. Although it had all the pavilions and towers, it lacked a sense of liveliness.

However, it was normal for Pei Lang not to return to the mansion often.

She walked all the way to the study with its doors tightly shut, but still didn't see a single servant.

The little girl pursed her pink lips, her delicate brows furrowed in genuine confusion, "Could it be that my eldest cousin is too aloof, even the servants have been driven away..."

"I won't kick them out; the servants have all gone to collect their monthly stipends."

A clear, melodious voice suddenly rang out from behind. Startled, Lin Zhi released the food box in her hand and took two steps back, only to bump into something hard.

She turned around slowly with a stiff back, and saw Pei Lang reach out and steadily catch the falling food box.

His condescending gaze swept over her, devoid of any emotion, as if he were looking at a lifeless object.

Lin Zhi's legs went weak, and she almost burst into tears.

This year is unlucky for her; fate is against her!

"Big, cousin, weren't you discussing official business with your uncle?"

Pei Lang did not respond to her. He pushed open the study door and placed the food box on the table.

What are you doing here?

Pei Lang stood with his hands behind his back, and just by standing there, Lin Zhi already felt a thin layer of sweat on his back.

She lowered her head, letting her fine hair brush against her neck, and said softly, "Come and apologize to your cousin. Azhi shouldn't have said that studying was boring, and she shouldn't have let your good intentions go to waste..."

Lin Zhi began to speak, expecting Pei Lang to coldly tell her to leave, but unexpectedly, she caught a glimpse of Pei Lang returning with something in his hand as he approached.

As he drew closer, Lin Zhi's breathing slowed down.

She finished explaining her "mistakes" in a wooden voice, and the room remained silent for a long time before Pei Lang finally commanded, "Extend your hand."

Lin Zhi's heart skipped a beat, and she then saw that what he was holding in his slender hand was a bamboo ruler that was more than seven inches long.

She disregarded etiquette and tried to turn and run away, but she was blocked by a tall figure as soon as she moved slightly.

"Since you've come to admit your mistake, let me see your sincerity."

The tassels on the ruler swayed in her line of sight, making Lin Zhi feel a little dizzy. Unconsciously, she offered her soft palm to Pei Lang.